Posted on 01/29/2013 10:13:40 PM PST by Salvation
From: Hebrews 10:11-18
Christ’s Offering of Himself Has Infinite Value (Continuation)
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Commentary:
11-14. Teaching given elsewhere in the letter (8:5; 9:9-10, 12-13, 25; 10:14) is
now reiterated in order to show the universal efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice. However,
here it is expounded by comparing the posture of the Old Testament priests with
that of Christ. They did in fact have to STAND in the presence of Yahweh, offering
victims repeatedly. Standing was the correct posture for servants and employees.
The reference is to Old Testament priests who repeatedly, every day, went through
the same motions and offered the same sacrifices. By contrast, Christ, as is sta-
ted in Psalm 110:1, after his Ascension is seated at the right hand of God the
Father (see notes on Mt 16:19 and Heb 1:3). In addition to conveying the idea of
repose and rest, being seated would be equivalent to receiving royal investiture or
to exercising authority (cf. Heb 7:26; 8:1); also, a king’s chief minister or heir used
to sit on the right of the king, as in a place of special honor (cf. Mt 26:24; Mk 14:62;
Lk 26:69); and it might be pointed out that David pitched his tent to the right of the
tabernacle: cf. 2 Sam 7:18). What has happened is that by virtue of the efficacy of
his single sacrifice, Christ has taken possession of heaven for ever more and has
merited royal dignity; all that remains to happen, and it shall happen, is for all his
enemies to submit to him (cf. 1 Cor 15:25-28). So fruitful is his sacrifice that those
who take part in it, “those who have been sanctified”, are thereby perfected: they
obtain forgiveness of sins, purity of conscience, access to and union with God. In
other words, the source of holiness in men is the sacrifice of Calvary.
15-18. The last proof of the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of
sins is based on this passage of Jeremiah 31:33-34, already quoted in 8: 10-12.
The letter is insisting on the spiritual character of the New Covenant—ratified with
the blood of Christ—which is impressed on the hearts and minds of men. And it is
also emphasizing the effects of this Covenant—forgiveness of sins by God.
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Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.
Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.
From: Mark 4:1-20
Parable of the Sower. The Meaning of the Parables
[10] And when He was alone, those who were about Him with the Twelve asked
Him concerning the parables. [11] And He said to them, “To you has been given
the secret of the Kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables;
[12] so that they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not
understand; lest they should turn again, and be forgiven.” [13] And He said to
them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the
parables? [14] The sower sows the word. [15] And these are the ones along the
path, where the word is sown; when they hear, Satan immediately comes and
takes away the word which is sown in them. [16] And these in like manner are
the ones sown upon rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately
receive it with joy; [17] and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a
while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, im-
mediately they fall away. [18] And others are the ones sown among thorns; they
are those who hear the word, [19] but cares of the world, and the delight in riches,
and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruit-
ful. [20] But those that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the
word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
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Commentary:
1-34. Parables are a special method of preaching used by Jesus. By means of
them He gradually unfolds before His listeners the mysteries of the Kingdom of
God. Cf. note on Matthew 13:3. Chapter 4 of St. Mark, although much shorter,
is the equivalent of chapter 13 of St. Matthew and chapter 8:4-18 of St. Luke,
which is the shortest synoptic account of the Kingdom parables.
1-9. The ordinary Christian, who seeks holiness in his ordinary work, must be
moved to find how often our Lord uses in His parables examples taken from work
situations: “In His parables on the Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ constantly re-
fers to human work: that of the shepherd (e.g. John 10:1-6), the farmer (cf. Mark
12:1-12), the doctor (cf. Luke 4:32), the sower (cf. Mark 4:1-9), the householder
(cf. Matthew 13:52), the servant (cf. Matthew 24:25; Luke 12:42-48), the steward
(cf. Luke 16:1-8), the fisherman (cf. Matthew 13:47-50), the merchant (cf. Mat-
thew 13:45-46), the laborer (cf. Matthew 20:1-16). He also speaks of the various
forms of women’s work (cf. Matthew 13:33; Luke 15:8-9). He compares the apos-
tolate to the manual work of harvesters (cf. Matthew 9:37; John 4:35-38) or fisher-
men (cf. Matthew 4:19). He refers to the work of scholars too (cf. Matthew 13:
52)” (John Paul II, “Laborem Exercens”, 26).
3-9. With the parable of the sower Jesus wants to move His listeners to open
their hearts generously to the word of God and put it into practice (cf. Luke 11:
28). God expects the same docility also from each of us: “It is a vivid scene.
The Divine Sower is also sowing His seed today. The work of salvation is still
going on, and our Lord wants us to share that work. He wants Christians to open
to His love all the paths of the earth. He invites us to spread the Divine message,
by both teaching and example, to the farthest corners of the earth [...]. If we look
around, if we take a look at the world, which we love because it is God’s handi-
work, we will find that the parable holds true. The word of Jesus Christ is fruitful,
it stirs many souls to dedication and fidelity. The life and conduct of those who
serve God have changed history. Even many of those who do not know our Lord
are motivated, perhaps unconsciously, by ideals which derive from Christianity.”
“We can also see that some of the seed falls on barren ground or among thorns
and thistles; some hearts close themselves to the light of faith. Ideals of peace,
reconciliation and brotherhood are widely accepted and proclaimed, but all too
often the facts belie them. Some people are futilely bent on smothering God’s
voice. To drown it out they use brute force or a method which is more subtle but
perhaps more cruel because it drugs the spirit — indifference” (St. J. Escriva,
“Christ Is Passing By”, 150).
The parable of the sower also shows us the wonderful economy of Divine Provi-
dence, which distributes various graces among men but gives each person e-
nough to reach salvation: “There was then in the eternal providence an incom-
parable privilege for the Queen of Queens, Mother of Fair Love, and most singu-
larly perfect. There were also for certain others some special favors. But after
this life the sovereign goodness poured an abundance of graces and benedic-
tions over the whole race of mankind and upon the angels; [...] every one re-
ceived his portion as of seed which falls not only upon good ground but upon
the highway, amongst thorns, and upon rocks, that all might be inexcusable be-
fore the Redeemer, if they enjoy not this most abundant redemption for their sal-
vation” (St. Francis de Sales, “Treatise on the Love of God”, Book 2, Chapter 7).
11-12. The Kingdom of God is a mystery. If the Twelve know it, it is simply be-
cause the mercy of God has revealed it to them, not because they are better
able, by themselves, to understand the meaning of the parables.
Jesus’s use of parables had many advantages: firstly, because typically the hu-
man mind grasps concepts by first working on sense-information: in His teaching
Christ often clothes spiritual things in corporal images. Secondly, Sacred Scrip-
ture is written for everyone, as St. Paul says: “I am under obligation ...both to the
wise and to the foolish” (Romans 1:4): this meant it made sense for him to put
forward even the deepest truths by using comparisons—so that people could
more easily grasp what he meant (cf. St. Thomas Aquinas, “Summa Theologiae
I”, q. 1, a.9).
The disciples are distinguished here from “those outside” (verse 11) — an expres-
sion which Jews applied to Gentiles, and which Jesus here applies to those Jews
who do not want to understand the signs which He performs (cf. Luke 12:41).
Later on, our Lord does give His disciples even more exact instruction about the
content of the parables. But, since the Jews do not want to accept the signs He
performs, in them are fulfilled the words of the prophet Isaiah (6:9-10). The para-
bles, which were an expression of our Lord’s mercy, were the occasion for His
condemning incredulous Jews, whose sins He cannot forgive because they do
not wish to see or listen or be converted.
17. “They fall away”: they are “scandalized”: the word “scandal” originally refers
to a stone or obstacle which could easily cause one to trip. Here, in the language
of morality, it is used to refer to anything which leads others to commit sin (cf.
note on Matthew 18:1-7). The word is also applied in a broader sense to anything
which could be an occasion of sin—e.g. sorrow and tribulation. In this passage,
falling away or being scandalized means being demoralized, stumbling, giving in
and falling. If a person maliciously professes to be shocked by a good action, he
is guilty of “pharisaical” scandal: that is what St. Paul means when he says that
the cross of Christ was a stumbling-block to Jews, who refused to grasp that the
saving plans of God were to be effected through pain and sacrifice (cf. 1 Corin-
thians 1:23; cf. also Mark 14:27; Matthew 16:23).
*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.
Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.
First reading | Hebrews 10:11-18 © |
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Psalm | Psalm 109:1-4 © |
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Gospel Acclamation | 1S3:9,Jn6:68 |
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Or |
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Gospel | Mark 4:1-20 © |
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Year of Faith: Indulgences and Places of Pilgrimage [Ecumenical]
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On Bearing Witness to the Christian Faith
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Archbishop Chaput says Year of Faith holds solution to relativism
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A Life of Faith: Papal Theologian Speaks on the Grace of Faith
ASIA/LAOS - "Year of Faith" amid the persecutions of Christians forced to become "animists"
From no faith to a mountain-top of meaning: Father John Nepil (Catholic Caucus)
Living the Year of Faith: How Pope Benedict Wants You to Begin [Catholic Caucus]
Share Your Faith in This Year of Faith: Two keys to help you do it.
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Pope will deliver year-long teaching series on restoring faith
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Catholic Church Calls for Public Prayers in Offices on Fridays
Highlights in the Plan for Year of Faith: Traditional Events Will Take on Special Perspective
Catholic Church calls for public prayers in offices on Fridays
Vatican Unveils Logo for Year of Faith [Catholic Caucus]
Miami Prelate Recalls Pope's Visit to Cuba, Looks to Year of Faith [Catholic Caucus]
The World-Changing Year of Faith [Catholic Caucus]
Vatican to Issue Recommendations for Celebrating Year of Faith
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The following is the longer version of the vital prayer composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 after his startling vision as to the future of the Church. This prayer was dedicated for the Feast of St. Michael 1448 years from the date of the election of the first Leo - Pope Saint Leo the Great. Everyone is familiar with the first prayer below which was mandated by His Holiness as part of the Leonine Prayers after Low Mass. Below are both the short and longer versions of this poignant prayer which should never be forgotten.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, and do thou, O heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.
O glorious Archangel Saint Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, be our defense in the terrible warfare which we carry on against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, spirits of evil. Come to the aid of man, whom God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. Fight this day the battle of our Lord, together with the holy angels, as already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there place for them any longer in heaven. That cruel, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with his angels. Behold this primeval enemy and slayer of men has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the Name of God and of His Christ, to seize upon, slay, and cast into eternal perdition, souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. That wicked dragon pours out. as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of lying, of impiety, of blasphemy, and the pestilent breath of impurity, and of every vice and iniquity. These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the spouse of the Immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on Her most sacred possessions. In the Holy Place itself, where has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck the sheep may be scattered. Arise then, O invincible Prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of God, and give them the victory. They venerate thee as their protector and patron; in thee holy Church glories as her defense against the malicious powers of hell; to thee has God entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude. Oh, pray to the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they may quickly conciliate the mercies of the Lord; and beating down the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, do thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations. Amen.
R: The Lion of the Tribe of Juda has conquered the root of David. V: Let Thy mercies be upon us, O Lord. R: As we have hoped in Thee. V: O Lord hear my prayer. R: And let my cry come unto Thee. V: Let us pray. O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy Name, and as suppliants, we implore Thy clemency, that by the intercession of Mary, ever Virgin, immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious Archangel Saint Michael, Thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and all other unclean spirits, who wander about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of our souls. Amen. Look down upon me, O good and gentle Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment; the while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me, calling to mind the words which David Thy prophet said of Thee, my good Jesus: "They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones." Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
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We thank you, God our Father, for those who have responded to your call to priestly ministry.
Accept this prayer we offer on their behalf: Fill your priests with the sure knowledge of your love.
Open their hearts to the power and consolation of the Holy Spirit.
Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.
Increase in them profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate as they nourish, strengthen and heal us.
Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will.
O Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son.
Intercede for our priests, that offering the Sacrifice of your Son, they may be conformed more each day to the image of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saint John Vianney, universal patron of priests, pray for us and our priests
This icon shows Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest.The gold pelican over His heart represents self-sacrifice.
The border contains an altar and grapevines, representing the Mass, and icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.
Melchizedek: king of righteousness (left icon) was priest and king of Jerusalem. He blessed Abraham and has been considered an ideal priest-king.
St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests.
1. Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
2. The Apostles Creed: I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
3. The Lord's Prayer: OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
4. (3) Hail Mary: HAIL Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)
5. Glory Be: GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Fatima Prayer: Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.
Announce each mystery, then say 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be and 1 Fatima prayer. Repeat the process with each mystery.
End with the Hail Holy Queen:
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve! To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears! Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus!
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Final step -- The Sign of the Cross
The Mysteries of the Rosary
By tradition, Catholics meditate on these Mysteries during prayers of the Rosary.
The biblical references follow each of the Mysteries below.
The Glorious Mysteries
(Wednesdays and Sundays)
1.The Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-29) [Spiritual fruit - Faith]
2. The Ascension (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:6-11) [Spiritual fruit - Christian Hope]
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13) [Spiritual fruit - Gifts of the Holy Spirit]
4. The Assumption [Spiritual fruit - To Jesus through Mary]
5. The Coronation [Spiritual fruit - Grace of Final Perseverance]
St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle
Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
Cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen
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From an Obama bumper sticker on a car:
"Pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8"
PLEASE JOIN US -
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Luke 2:21 "...Et vocatum est Nomen eius IESUS"
("And His Name was called JESUS")
Psalm 90:14 "Because he hoped in me I will deliver him:
I will protect him because he hath known My Name."
Zacharias 10:12 "I will strengthen them in the Lord,
and they shall walk in His Name, saith the Lord."
Apocalypse 3:8 "I know thy works. Behold, I have given before thee a door opened, which no man can shut: because thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied My Name."
Apocalypse 15:4 "Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and magnify Thy Name?..."
Blessed be the most holy Name of Jesus without end!
The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. This feast is also celebrated on January 3. Here is an explanation of the devotion.
Since the 16th century Catholic piety has associated entire months to special devotions. The devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus has been traditionally associated with the month of January, due to its celebration on January 3. The name Jesus was given to the Holy Child at God's command (Luke 1:31). The Holy Name is all-powerful because of the Person who bears it; we honor it because of the command of Christ, that we should pray in His Name and because it reminds us of all the blessings we receive through our Holy Redeemer. Hence St. Paul was able to write to the Philippians: ". . . at the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth" (Phil. 2:10). By means of this devotion we also make amends for improper use of the Holy Name.
Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954
Prayer/Hymn in Honor of the Most Holy Name of Jesus - Iesu, Dulcis Memoria
Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast!
Yet sweeter far Thy face to see
And in Thy presence rest.
No voice can sing, no heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find,
A sweeter sound than Jesus' name,
The Savior of mankind.
O hope of every contrite heart!
0 joy of all the meek!
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!
But what to those who find? Ah! this
Nor tongue nor pen can show
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.
Jesus! our only hope be Thou,
As Thou our prize shalt be;
In Thee be all our glory now,
And through eternity. Amen.
---Roman Breviary
Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954
O Divine Jesus, Thou hast promised that anything we ask of the Eternal Father in Thy name shall be granted.
O Eternal Father. In the name of Jesus, for the love of Jesus, in fulfillment of this promise, and because Jesus has said it, grant us our petitions for the sake of Jesus, Thy Divine Son. Amen.
Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954
Litany Of The Holy Name of Jesus
Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
Jesus, The Name above all Names
Devotion to the Holy Name (of Jesus) [Catholic Caucus]
Lessons In Iconography : The Chi Rho - Christ
St. Francis de Sales on the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Excerpt from a Sermon) (Catholic Caucus)
St. Francis de Sales on the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
St. Bernard on the Most Holy Name of Jesus [Ecumenical]
Saving the day in His Holy Name: St. Genevieve gets a reprieve [Catholic Caucus]
The Holy Name of Jesus
Holy Name of Jesus [San Bernadino of Siena] Ecumenical
The Holy Name of Jesus
Devotion to the Holy Name [of Jesus]
The Name of Jesus: Its Power in Our Lives
The Holy Name of Jesus
Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus
The Holy Name of Jesus
JANUARY, 2013, Intentions of the Holy Father
The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013 St. Hyacinth Marescotti, Virgin (Memorial) |
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Just A Minute (Listen) Some of EWTN's most popular hosts and guests in a collection of one minute inspirational messages. A different message each time you click. |
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The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.
Amen. |
Feast Day: | January 30 |
Born: |
1585, Vignanello, Italy |
Died: | 30 January 1640, Viterbo |
Canonized: | 1807 by Pope Pius VII |
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